In an effort to encourage young women to consider the transportation and construction industry for future careers, the HOYA Foundation and Adams County are hosting Transportation and Construction Girl Day Oct. 9 at the Renaissance Denver Stapleton Hotel.

“We decided to support this because it’s important for young women to know that there is more to construction than just throwing a hammer around,” said Aly Paxton, marketing coordinator for Adolfson & Peterson Construction, host of Career Days for Girls, which also is sponsored by the HOYA Foundation. Graduates of Career Days for Girls are honored at the Transportation and Construction Girl Day event.

Such programs and events are a tool being used by organizations and employers across the country to recruit more women to construction.

Women account for just 8% of the construction workforce. With huge projects on the horizon and enormous workforce shortages, there is a tremendous opportunity for young women who choose careers in construction.

Transportation and Construction Girl Day features exhibits, speakers and networking with industry leaders to help young women see the opportunities in the construction industry.

“Just changing one young woman’s perspective to be interested in construction would make it worthwhile,” Adolfson & Peterson staff accountant Kelly Sanford said.